“What’s wrong with the offence?”
“Why can’t this team score any points?”
Are these the kinds of questions I’m hearing about The BC Lions or anyone in the East? Nope. These are the kinds of questions I’ve had this year from Stampeder fans.
Such is the weight of expectation for a team that’s been the class of the regular season for over a decade but has only two championships to show for that dominant run.
Dave Dickenson knows that – he gets it – and in some cases, maybe even agrees with some of the criticism this year.
The coach has acknowledged the offence hasn’t been as explosive as it has in recent years, due in no small part to long-term injuries to receivers DaVaris Daniels, Lamar Durant and Kamar Jorden.
So why is this team so good? The devil is in the details.
The sexiest stats, like passing yards and receiving yardage, belong to others. But dig a little deeper into the stats pack and you find numbers like a ridiculous +23 in turnovers, a measly 17.3 points allowed per game, three defensive linemen who are part of a four-way tie for the lead in sacks.
Bo Levi Mitchell may not be throwing the highlight reel bombs, but he’s not throwing picks and not getting sacks. Eight of the teams’ league-leading 47 touchdowns come from the defence or special teams.
Speaking of special teams: Roy Finch averages just short of 17 yards on a punt return. The opposition averages a league-low 9.1 against a smothering Stampeder cover team.
A home playoff date is clinched. The division title a near certainty. If the Stamps can keep doing the little things right, maybe this year, the biggest goal of all is in reach.
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